Primary liver cancer Flashcards
Definition of Primary liver cancer
Primary liver cancer refers to the development of malignant tumors in the liver. The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which arises from the hepatocytes, the main cells of the liver.
Causes of Primary liver cancer
Chronic viral hepatitis B or C infection.
Cirrhosis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or other liver diseases.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Exposure to aflatoxins, which are toxins produced by certain molds that can contaminate food.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron accumulation in the body.
Diagnosis Primary liver cancer
The diagnosis of primary liver cancer involves various tests and procedures, including:
Imaging tests: CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to visualize the liver and identify any tumors or abnormalities.
Blood tests: Measurement of liver function, tumor markers (such as alpha-fetoprotein), and viral hepatitis markers.
Biopsy: A sample of liver tissue may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine the specific type of liver cancer.
Symptoms of Primary liver cancer
In the early stages, primary liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may occur:
Abdominal pain or discomfort.
Unexplained weight loss.
Fatigue and weakness.
Loss of appetite and nausea.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Swelling in the abdomen or legs.
Easy bruising or bleeding.
Treatment of Primary liver cancer
Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor, such as partial hepatectomy (removal of a portion of the liver) or liver transplant in selected cases.
Localized treatments: Procedures like radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, or cryoablation to destroy tumors.
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): A procedure that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor, combined with blocking the blood supply to the tumor.
Targeted therapy: Medications that specifically target cancer cells or their growth pathways.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation used to kill cancer cells.
Palliative care: Symptom management and supportive care to improve quality of life in advanced stages.
Complications of Primary liver cancer
Liver failure: Advanced liver cancer can impair liver function, leading to liver failure.
Portal hypertension: Liver cancer can cause increased pressure in the portal vein, leading to complications such as ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen) and variceal bleeding.
Metastasis: Cancer cells can spread to other organs or lymph nodes, leading to secondary tumors.
Invasive growth: Liver cancer can invade nearby structures, such as blood vessels or the bile ducts.
